Successful trip of PM in Oman

Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the Sultan of Oman on issues like measures to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defense, security, food security and regional issues. The two strategic partners discussed to strengthen cooperation in trade & investment, energy, defense & security, food security and regional issues,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had tweeted.

News reports informed that, after their talks, the two sides signed eight agreements, including a MoU on legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters. They also signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports and a MoU on cooperation in the field of health, tourism and peaceful uses of outer space.

The two countries also signed an agreement on cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman’s Diplomatic Institute. A MoU on academic and scholarly cooperation between National Defence College, Sultanate of Oman and the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. The two sides also signed annexure to the MoU on military cooperation.

Earlier, addressing the Indian diaspora at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Oman’s capital, Modi said the ties of India and Oman have always remained strong despite the ups and downs in the political environment in both the countries. He also said that Indian diaspora has played an essential role in strengthening these ties.

India and Oman have thriving links rooted in centuries-old people-to-people exchanges, Modi said. More than nine million Indians work and live in the Gulf region. In Oman, they constitute the largest expatriate community, as per news reports.